Gyokeres debut stats

Arsenal sign Viktor Gyokeres makes his Premier League bow at Old Trafford and struggles to influence the game.

Viktor Gyokeres Delivers Debut Stats Against Man Utd That Defy Belief

Arsenal sign Viktor Gyokeres started his Premier League life with a 60 minute shift at Old Trafford as Arsenal beat Manchester United 1-0. The 63.5 million pound deal from Sporting CP set high expectations and Gyokeres was handed the number 14 shirt to lead the line. He did not register a shot, had 21 touches, three in the box, and won two duels on the ground while losing 11 possessions. He completed four of nine passes and did not create a single chance, with his 7.8 kilometres covered and 12 sprints highlighting the effort but not the end product. The winner came from Riccardo Calafiori s header from a Declan Rice corner, keeping Arsenal unbeaten in their opener.

After the game, former Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge explained that adapting to a new system takes time and will require personal work between player and manager. The work begins now with a home game against Leeds United on August 23, where Gyokeres will hope to add his first Premier League goal or assist. The performance underlines a broader trend: big spending can bring high expectations, and success depends on how quickly a player can fit a new attacking frame.

The price tag on Gyokeres signals that Arsenal wants immediate impact, increasing the risk of disappointment if early form lags. The formation around Havertz behind the striker needs clear roles and better service for Gyokeres to flourish. The debut reads as a blueprint that could work with refinement, not a finished product.

The opening win hides a longer test for Mikel Arteta and his recruitment strategy. If Gyokeres can adjust his timing and positioning in training, the front line could become more dangerous. The next few fixtures will reveal whether the club s spending translates into a sustained improvement and whether the striker can finally justify the fee.

Highlights

Time will tell if Arsenal hit the right balance